Dill said Jones fell an estimated 80 to 100 feet. He was airlifted to the hospital and died during surgery.

Authorities told News 4 that Jones’ daughter tried to climb down to help her father, and she fell and suffered head injuries and possibly some broken bones.

According to a spokesperson from Greenville Hospital System Children’s Hospital, the 5-year-old continues to recover. She was listed in good condition on Monday.

Dill said, “Mr. Jones had just texted his wife a few minutes before this happened to talk about how good the day was going, how good the weather was, how beautiful the trail was and how proud he was of his 5-year-old daughter for how good she was doing on the hike. Right after that, he went to the top of the falls and we can only guess what happened.”

The falls are a popular destination. Other hikers on the trail called for help after Jones and his daughter were injured.

Dill said several people have been killed at Wildcat Branch Falls over the years. Another man died at the falls within the past six months.

In a statement, the Jones family said: "We are grateful for the outpouring of prayers and support. This is an extraordinarily difficult time for us. We ask that everyone respect the family's privacy and also ask that people please continue to keep us in their hearts and prayers."

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